For high school students considering a future with the University of North Georgia’s (UNG) Corps of Cadets, the National Leadership Challenge (NLC) offers a firsthand look at life in the program.
Held each spring and fall, the weekend-long event provides students with an immersive experience, helping them decide between the commissioning track or the National Service Leadership Track within the Corps. This semester’s NLC will take place April 4-6 at UNG’s Dahlonega campus.
Freshman Jay Tysinger, who attended the event last year, called it an invaluable experience.
“The National Leadership Challenge was a fantastic experience. It gave me a hands-on introduction to the Corps of Cadets, helping me better understand their customs, history and values,” Tysinger said. “I gained a new appreciation for the leadership structure and the responsibilities that come with being a part of it.”
The program is designed to be both informative and transformational, giving prospective cadets direct access to current students.
“The weekend gave me a strong sense of the leadership roles and chain of command. I feel like it accurately portrayed how structured and disciplined cadet life is. It really helped me understand the expectations and responsibilities,” he said.
Tysinger, a strategic and security studies major from Statesboro, Georgia, said the weekend provided a realistic preview of cadet life, from its leadership structure to daily responsibilities.
Beyond the training and leadership exercises, Tysinger found an unexpected benefit—building connections with fellow cadets and cadre.
“NLC also gave me a chance to meet some of the cadets and staff, which really helped me understand the camaraderie and the sense of community within the Corps,” he said.
Students interested in attending NLC can register on the event’s webpage. For additional information, contact Jordan Mund at [email protected].
